Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Glendale

More About Motorcycle Accidents in Los Angeles

Motorcyclists are at a significantly higher risk for accidents than car occupants for various reasons. The inherent design of motorcycles offers less protection than cars, making riders more physically vulnerable in collisions. Without the barrier of a car’s steel shell & lacking safety features such as seatbelts & airbags, motorcyclists can sustain severe & even catastrophic injuries when thrown from their bikes or when falling beneath them.

Motorcycles are smaller & less visible to car drivers, increasing the likelihood of being overlooked, especially at intersections or during lane changes. Their agility & speed also mean that riders need exceptional skill & constant defensive attention to maneuver safely. A common complaint by motorists who cause accidents involving motorcycles is that they “didn’t see” them in traffic.

It's vital for motorcyclists in Los Angeles to be aware of these challenges when navigating busy streets. Our firm understands the unique landscape of Los Angeles traffic and is equipped to build effective strategies that take into account local conditions and common accident scenarios.

Dealing with Glendale Insurers After a Motorcycle Accident

Insurance companies in Glendale may employ tactics to minimize or deny claims associated with motorcycle accidents. Approaches might include challenging the level of fault or pointing to city-specific traffic conditions as contributing factors.

Our attorneys at Hartounian, APLC are well-versed in handling these local insurers and counteracting their strategies. We strive to ensure our clients receive maximum compensation by leveraging our deep understanding of the local insurance landscape, negotiating skillfully on your behalf.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident

If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, taking the right steps immediately afterward can seriously impact your ability to recover compensation:

• Seek Medical Attention: Your health & safety are the top priority. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, getting a medical evaluation is essential.
• Report the Accident: Contact law enforcement & file an accident report. This documentation can be critical for your case.
• Gather Evidence: Take photographs of the accident scene, your motorcycle, & any visible injuries. Collect all contact information from witnesses & other parties involved.
• Avoid Admitting Fault: Do not admit fault at the accident scene, as this can be used against you later.
• Consult a Lawyer: Contacting a Glendale motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible ensures that your rights are well protected & that you have the best chance of securing a favorable result.

Motorcycle Accident Injuries & Their Impact

The heightened risk for motorcyclists extends to the severity of the injuries they are likely to sustain in an accident. Without the protective enclosure that cars provide, motorcyclists often suffer direct impacts in crashes.

Some potential injuries include:

• Brain injuries: Even with helmet protection, riders can suffer devastating brain injuries from the force of the impact during an accident.
• Spinal cord injuries: These can result in partial or complete paralysis, affecting mobility & quality of life.
• Broken bones: The force of collision can lead to multiple fractures, which may require surgeries & long-term recovery.
• Road rash: Skin abrasions can be severe, sometimes causing nerve damage & necessitating skin grafts, leading to infection risks.
• Internal injuries: Impact with objects or the motorcycle itself can cause internal bleeding & organ damage.

Addressing these injuries requires comprehensive medical care and often a prolonged recovery period. Our focus is on ensuring clients receive necessary treatments and that all aspects of their injuries are considered when seeking compensation.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Glendale

Every motorcycle accident is unique in its causes & circumstances. However, certain causes are more prevalent than others in these incidents. Speeding by either party increases the likelihood of an accident. Many motorcyclists are injured in accidents when a car makes a left-hand turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Potholes, slick surfaces, & debris can contribute to these accidents, as can malfunctions of motorcycle or motor vehicle components & parts.

Finally, disobeying traffic laws, such as distracted driving, running red lights & stop signs, tailgating, improper U-turns, & failing to yield, all contribute to motorcycle accidents. These violations incur liability on those who commit them. Understanding the underlying causes of accidents helps us advocate more effectively for our clients. We conduct thorough investigations and build cases that clearly link negligence to accidents, seeking justice for motorcyclists harmed by these common issues.

Potential Compensation for Motorcycle Accident Victims

Victims of motorcycle accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation to cover both the immediate & long-term effects of their injuries.

Key areas for which compensation can be sought include:

• Medical expenses: This covers emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, & any ongoing medical care related to the accident.
• Lost wages: Compensation can be claimed for income lost due to the inability to work during recovery. Future earnings can also be claimed if the victim is unable to return to work or forced into a lower-paying job due to their injuries.
• Pain & suffering: This encompasses compensation for the physical pain & emotional distress suffered as a result of the accident. The severity of the injuries & their impact on the victim's lifestyle & mental health play a role in determining this amount.
• Property damage: Reimbursement for repairing or replacing the motorcycle & any other personal property damaged in the crash.
• Loss of consortium: This relates to compensation awarded to spouses or family members for loss of companionship & support. This is a type of non-economic damage that can be claimed when a motorcyclist is injured or killed due to someone else's negligence.
• Punitive damages: In cases where the other party's negligent behavior was particularly egregious, the court may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer & deter future misconduct.

Our comprehensive approach ensures that every potential avenue for compensation is explored. We analyze the full impact of injuries, both physical and emotional, to pursue compensation that truly reflects the adversity faced by our clients.

How to Prove Negligence in a Glendale Motorcycle Accident

Here's how you can prove negligence in a motorcycle accident claim:

• Duty of Care: You will need to establish that the defendant owed you a duty of care. In the context of driving, all motorists have a legal responsibility to operate their vehicles safely & follow traffic laws to avoid harming others.
• Breach of Duty: Next, you need to show that the defendant neglected this duty of care. Examples of a breach might include:
  • Speeding
  • Running a red light or stop sign
  • Failing to yield the right of way
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Reckless driving
  • Distracted driving (e.g., texting while driving)
• Causation: You will need to indicate that the defendant's breach of duty directly caused the accident & your injuries. This involves proving that the accident would not have occurred if the defendant had not breached their duty and the injuries sustained are a direct result of the accident.
• Damages: Lastly, you need to show that you suffered actual damages as a result of the accident. This can include:
  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages or loss of earning capacity
  • Pain & suffering
  • Property damage

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Glendale?

In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including motorcycle accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means you have two years to file a lawsuit against the party at fault for your injuries. However, it's advisable to seek legal guidance as soon as possible, as important evidence can be gathered immediately after the incident to strengthen your case.

What If My Motorcycle Accident Was Partially My Fault?

California follows a 'pure comparative negligence' rule. This means that even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you could still recover damages. Your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. An attorney can help clarify how fault will impact your specific case and work to minimize your liability while maximizing your recovery.

Can I Claim Compensation for Emotional Distress After an Accident?

Yes, emotional distress is a recognized form of non-economic damage in California personal injury cases. It may include anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life arising from the accident and any resulting injuries. Documenting these impacts with a mental health professional can encourage a favorable evaluation of emotional distress claims.

What Should I Bring to My Initial Consultation with a Lawyer?

When meeting a lawyer for a consultation, it's beneficial to bring all relevant documentation, such as medical records, police reports, photographs of the accident scene, insurance policies, and correspondence with insurers. This information provides a lawyer with a comprehensive understanding of your situation, enabling them to advise you effectively on your next steps.

Is It Necessary to Hire a Lawyer for My Motorcycle Accident Case?

While not mandatory, hiring a lawyer for your motorcycle accident case greatly enhances your chances of securing fair compensation. Attorneys possess a detailed understanding of legal procedures, negotiating tactics, and local courts, allowing them to advocate effectively on your behalf. Hartounian, APLC offers the advantage of personalized service, ensuring you have an ally every step of the way.